I think one thing that doesn't get addressed nearly enough in these discussions of the health benefits of social connections is the emotional regulation we provide each other. Humans regulate their emotional lives through contact with others (just watch a baby calm herself down when a caregiver picks her up and embraces her). Other people who are well regulated help you regulate, which means that your cortisol level stays within healthy limits and you feel more emotionally resilient and expansive. Conversely, too much alone time means heightened cortisol levels and more stress and anxiety.
Thank you for the thoughtful comment. Great point on emotional regulation part! Social connection can impact emotional regulation, and vice versa. Social connectedness and reliable support help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, as you mentioned baby calming case. On the other hand, balanced, positive emotions help shape relationships.
This is a really great post. I reflected on this feeling today actually, especially as my family is not...familial. I think part of the difficulty is not just the space, but something you eluded to - the social consciousness about connection. I'm afraid of spending time with people who might just hurt me and leave again in the end.
Thank you for your kind words and thoughtful comment. Your reflection and perspectives are important, helpful to address this issue, because social disconnection today is multifaceted, consciously or unconsciously. Families can be challenging sometimes.
I think one thing that doesn't get addressed nearly enough in these discussions of the health benefits of social connections is the emotional regulation we provide each other. Humans regulate their emotional lives through contact with others (just watch a baby calm herself down when a caregiver picks her up and embraces her). Other people who are well regulated help you regulate, which means that your cortisol level stays within healthy limits and you feel more emotionally resilient and expansive. Conversely, too much alone time means heightened cortisol levels and more stress and anxiety.
Thank you for the thoughtful comment. Great point on emotional regulation part! Social connection can impact emotional regulation, and vice versa. Social connectedness and reliable support help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, as you mentioned baby calming case. On the other hand, balanced, positive emotions help shape relationships.
True, positive emotions help shape healthy relationships, which then help people emotionally regulate. It’s a virtuous cycle.
That's right!
This is a really great post. I reflected on this feeling today actually, especially as my family is not...familial. I think part of the difficulty is not just the space, but something you eluded to - the social consciousness about connection. I'm afraid of spending time with people who might just hurt me and leave again in the end.
Thank you for your kind words and thoughtful comment. Your reflection and perspectives are important, helpful to address this issue, because social disconnection today is multifaceted, consciously or unconsciously. Families can be challenging sometimes.